B2 the passive voice

THE PASSIVE VOICE

B2

General use and rules

Click on the picture to download it

click on the picture to download it

Let's practise

People won't forget great directos like Ford and Houston.

They have spread American ideas around the world.

• Write the passive version of each sentence.
• Click on it to check your answer.
• If you need to revise the rules, click on the information icons.

They released E.T. in 1982 and was an overnight success.

They are opening new cinema multiplexes every day.

They have worked on this film script for years.

They strictly prohibit smoking on set.

CGI changed the concept of special effects.

They made her work hard.

They could not use Christ Church for filming.

They made mistakes in post-production.

They shot this scene on location.

They have already recorded the soundtrack.

They can't ignore the effect of films on world culture.

Let's practise

They haven't released the DVD of the film yet.

They will shoot the film in the autumn.

• Write the passive version of each sentence.
• Click on it to check your answer.
• If you need to revise the rules, click on the information icons.

They might not finish the film until the summer.

They are interviewing the director about the film.

They transformed the castle into Downton Abbey.

Millions of people watch this TV programme.

They should publish the interview.

We have to shoot one more scene.

They based this film on a bestseller.

They have dubbed this film into other languages.

They have sold the film all over the world.

They had to close the bridge for the filming.

They shot the interior scenes in a studio.

They will announce the results tomorrow.

They should have subtitled this video.

Someone had unlocked the front door.

VERBS WITH TWO OBJECTS

We were told to bring our phones.

What's the active sentence here?

Let's practise

They haven't offered him the part in the film.

• Write the passive version of each sentence.
• Click on it to check your answer.
• If you need to revise the rules, click on the information icons.

Chris told Monica the truth

The boss showed Anna her new contract

They gave Tom Cruise the starring role in Steven Spielberg's War of the Worlds.

They promised me that we would finish filming today.

They told me the film was good.

When exactly will they give John his prize?

They asked me to take over as the new supporting actress.

They taught her to act at the tender age of 5.

REPORTING VERBS IN THE PASSIVE VOICE

The passive is often used with BELIEVE, CONSIDER, EXPECT, KNOW, SAY THINK, UNDERSTAND to avoid an impersonal THEY or PEOPLE.

People say that John lives in New York.It is said that John lives in New York. John is said to live in New York.

What's the active sentence here?

Other verb forms can also be reported in this way:

They say that John is travelling in Africa.John is said to be travelling in Africa. People say John has arrived in Australia. John is said to have arrived in Australia.

Let's practise

• Write the passive version of each sentence.
• Click on it to check your answer.
• If you need to revise the rules, click on the information icons.

People think Casablanca is one of the best films ever.

Everybody knows that exercise is beneficial for our health.

People say that Disney Pixar lost over 100 million dollars on John Carter film.

Experts estimate that about 10 million dolphins have been killed in the past 15 years.

Some people believe that Hollywood is anti-Republican.

Got some questions? Ask your teacher!